☣️ UN 2881 • CLASS 4

UN 2881 — Nickel catalyst, dry

Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 2881 Quick Details

UN 2881
Product name: Nickel catalyst, dry
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Spontaneously Combustible
ERG Guide: 135 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 135: isolate 25-50m in all directions initially. If tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions.

Common Hazards of UN 2881

  • Flammable/combustible material.
  • May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture.
  • May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
  • Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
  • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
  • Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may explode when heated.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Also known asRaney nickel catalystnickel powder catalystskeletal nickel catalystnickel sponge catalyst
AppearanceFine gray to black powder or granules with a metallic appearance. Odorless. Solid at room temperature with high surface area and pyrophoric properties when dry.
Flash PointNot applicable (pyrophoric solid)
Boiling PointNot applicable (metal catalyst)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (solid)
Water ReactivityReacts with moisture generating heat and hydrogen gas; pyrophoric when dry. Keep away from water until properly wetted.
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2881

Extinguishing Media

Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash. Do not use water, foam, or CO2 on dry material.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA in enclosed spaces. Heat-resistant gloves and face shield for handling. Avoid creating dust.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 135: isolate 25-50m in all directions initially. If tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions.
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 135).

First Actions for a UN 2881 Incident

  • CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
  • For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
  • For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 2881 — Nickel catalyst, dry
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2881 Product: Nickel catalyst, dry Class 4 / Spontaneously Combustible / ERG 135 PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA in enclosed spaces. Heat-resistant gloves and face shield for handling. Avoid creating dust. ISOLATION: ERG 135: isolate 25-50m in all directions initially. If tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions. ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 2881 — Nickel catalyst, dry Class: 4 | Placard: Spontaneously Combustible | ERG Guide: 135 Appearance: Fine gray to black powder or granules with a metallic appearance. Odorless. Solid at room temperature with high surface area and pyrophoric properties when dry. Water Reactivity: Reacts with moisture generating heat and hydrogen gas; pyrophoric when dry. Keep away from water until properly wetted. Extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash. Do not use water, foam, or CO2 on dry material. PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA in enclosed spaces. Heat-resistant gloves and face shield for handling. Avoid creating dust. Isolation: ERG 135: isolate 25-50m in all directions initially. If tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions. — Key Hazards — • Flammable/combustible material. • May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. • May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. — First Actions — • CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. • Keep unauthorized personnel away. • Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2881 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN2881 Nickel catalyst, dry Cls4 ERG135 | ERG 135: isolate 25-50m in all directions initially. If tank/container involved | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2881SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2881

Related UN Numbers in Class 4

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2881

Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.

CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.

Level B minimum with SCBA in enclosed spaces. Heat-resistant gloves and face shield for handling. Avoid creating dust.

Water reactivity: Reacts with moisture generating heat and hydrogen gas; pyrophoric when dry. Keep away from water until properly wetted.. Recommended extinguishing: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash. Do not use water, foam, or CO2 on dry material..

ERG Guide 135 recommendation: ERG 135: isolate 25-50m in all directions initially. If tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions.

No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 135 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.